October 31, 2017: Minister Haji Kazim Hosein, along with Permanent Secretary Ms. Desdra Bascombe, Senior Disaster Management Coordinator Mr. Rishi Siew, National Volunteer Network Coordinator Mr. Matthew Kailah and representatives from the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government were on the ground, over the past few days distributing relief items to persons who were severely affected by the recent torrential rains.

Minister Haji Kazim Hosein commended the unreserved contributions of corporate sponsors, volunteers and residents saying, “I was overwhelmed by the response received from members of the business communities, volunteers and citizens across the country who on hearing about our ‘Relief TT’ Drive, called our office willing to support in various ways. We had persons from all parts of the country calling to donate clothes, water, non-perishables, cleaning and household supplies and this is the true spirit of volunteerism and brotherhood where we can be our brothers’ keeper and work together during difficult times to help our neighbours. In two days, we were able to collect over four truckloads of relief supplies that were distributed across the severely impacted areas.” Minister Hosein further encouraged impacted citizens to reach out to their respective corporations and report any damages or loss of furniture and appliances caused by the recent flooding in order for the necessary assessments to be conducted.

Senior Disaster Management Coordinator at the Ministry, Mr. Rishi Siew in an update yesterday commented, “All affected Regional Corporations are currently in the Relief and Recovery phase and are working with the Disaster Management Units to conduct Damage and Needs Assessments (DANA). We remain committed to assisting every citizen who was affected by this disaster and urge persons to continue reporting to their Municipal Corporations in the case of any reoccurrence of flooding, disaster or hazards that may occur. Citizens are also urged to utilize the Toll-Free 800 Disaster Hotline numbers in such instances.”